Sam Hartman gives initial impressions of Ohio State's defense

Sam Hartman can’t wait to lead Marcus Freeman‘s Notre Dame Fighting Irish into battle against the Ohio State Buckeyes.

It’s a showdown that could act as an eliminator for the College Football Playoff. Whichever team gets the victory will have one of the best resumes in all of the sport, and be set up for success over the remainder of 2023.

While Notre Dame fell to Ohio State last season, Hartman wasn’t in South Bend for that one. The transfer from Wake Forest has since revitalized the passing game for the Fighting Irish, as Hartman was electric through his team’s first four games. He has thrown for 1,061 yards and 13 touchdowns without an interception.

Ahead of his toughest test yet, Hartman explained what he’s seen from the Ohio State defense as he prepares for the Buckeyes.

“I mean, I think it just starts with them, they’re kind of quarterbacks, their defensive linebacking corps is two really stout players, who have been playing a lot of football,” Hartman explained. “Obviously, it really just encompasses their front seven. A lot of experience, a lot of talent there, and their secondary. Brought back a lot of guys from last year. All extremely talented. So we know we have a challenge on our hands. They do a lot of things upfront. Very multiple.

“Again, you know going into this game, it’s going to be a battle for all four quarterbacks, and they’re going to bring it. They’ve got experience as well, so it’s an exciting challenge, but not something that we’re going to take lightly.”

It’s not going to be easy, but Notre Dame has the chance to re-establish themselves at the forefront of the college football world on Saturday. With Sam Hartman leading the charge, anything is possible against Ohio State.

Notre Dame vs. Ohio State: Early point spread released on Fighting Irish, Buckeyes

In one of the most anticipated early-season matchups in the 2023 slate, Ohio State will take on Notre Dame in a meeting that will provide some serious pop to the resume of the winner and the early point spread is out.

Based on Las Vegas’ odds, it appears the oddsmakers are anticipating a very quality game. Ohio State opens up as a 3.5-point favorite in the contest, according to FanDuel.

Ohio State has won the last five meetings in the series, dating back to 1995. The Buckeyes won last season’s meeting, which happened in the season opener, by a 21-10 score. Notre Dame was ranked No. 5 in the country at the time, while Ohio State was ranked No. 2.

This season’s game will be another meeting between two top-10 teams.